Stroud Town Council recently adopted nine bus shelters from the District Council, and launched the Better Bus Stops Stroud project, in a bid to make bus stops more accessible, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.
The first phase of the project focused on practical improvements at the shelters. New benches with handles replaced the old perch seating – these were chosen for comfort and accessibility, especially for people with mobility challenges. Graffiti and fly-posting were cleaned, and damaged panels replaced.
The Better Bus Stops Stroud project is now moving into its most exciting phase: art! Given Stroud’s creative spirit, Stroud Town Council invited artists to work with local schools and young people to brighten up the bus shelters and make them places everyone can feel proud of.
A group of Stroud residents has also been recruited to share their views on what makes a bus stop feel safe and welcoming.
Their insights will help shape future designs. Cllr Adrian Oldman said: “This collaboration with local artists is about more than improving our bus stops. It’s about making Stroud feel welcoming and inspiring to all who live, work and visit. We can’t wait to see the creativity artists and schools will bring to the project over the coming months!”
Each artist was chosen for their unique, vibrant style, and their experience of working collaboratively with young people. Over the coming months, the artists will lead workshops with children from Stroud schools and a community group, with the final artwork installed by Spring 2026.
Meet the artists
Clemency Calkin
Clemency Calkin is a textile artist and muralist. She employs bright colours and clashing patterns to create art that is playful and bold.
With a passion for the positive effects of colour, Clemency seeks to spread joy with her work, whether at home or in the public sphere.
Huw Montgomery
Huw’s work focuses on thoughtful, environmentally conscious design, often drawing inspiration from the forms and rhythms of nature. He’s interested in how materials, light and texture can shape atmosphere and connection, creating spaces and artworks that celebrate our relationship with the natural world.
Eliza Syke
Eliza’s work is deeply inspired by nature and the intricate details revealed through close observation, her bold, illustrative style is defined by expressive mark-making and strong lines. Through both public art and community-focused workshops,
Eliza strives to make creativity accessible, meaningful, and rooted in connection.
Katherine Bryan-Merrett
Katherine Bryan-Merrett (Kat) is a portrait and mural artist. Mostly working in a realistic style, Kat’s works derives a lot from nature and the world around us. Kat loves working collaboratively!
From a mortuary mural to a Scottish landscape, the Prince’s Trust to Forest Green Rovers, the range of subject matter and clients is always a source of excitement and inspiration.
Yoli Ward-Streeter
Yoli is an illustrator, muralist and workshop facilitator, making work with play, movement and joy in mind.
She has a passion for creating work for community focused projects, using visual communication as a positive force for change. She has worked with children and young people throughout her career and has a keen interest in creating spaces that engage and connect children to creativity.
Marcus Walters
Marcus Walters is a designer, illustrator, and artist known for his bold use of colour, playful composition and graphic style. Marcus runs his own studio, collaborating with brands, galleries, and organisations including Tate, V&A Museum, and Westmorland. His work spans art direction, illustration, product design, and screen-printed artwork – all driven by his passion for creativity, craft, and storytelling through design.
Tracy Spiers
Tracy Spiers, known as Dr Fun for her PhD in playfulness, is a journalist, illustrator, and community artist with more than 35 years experience in creative communication.
Mother to five girls, Tracy leads community art projects that bring colour, care, and creativity to public spaces. Her practice is rooted in the belief that playfulness and imagination can inspire change, foster connection, generate fun and make ideas accessible across ages and audiences.
